Wednesday, January 2, 2013

2013 Resolutions

Ever since I was a child, I have made a resolutions list. In fact, I still have a resolutions list hanging up in my childhood closet from my 9th grade of high school. It's funny to see what seemed so important to me at that time.

A new year offers the opportunity for me to reflect on what I'd like to do to improve my life and put it in writing. I am definitely one of those people that needs to put it in writing for it to really stick. So that is exactly what I'm doing here & am excited to share my top five 2013 resolutions with you!


1. Be a better friend - I feel so lucky to have the best friends in the world. However, I am not sure if I tell them or show them how much I truly appreciate their friendship. With a small child at home, it's easy to say "Oh, I won't go to (insert awesome, fun time) but I'll definitely go next time". It's a bad cycle to get into because all of a sudden I've skipped the last 4 get togethers & there is no one to blame but myself. In 2013 I want to attend as many get togethers, lunches, dinners, girls night outs, and anything else that may come my way. I also want to remind my friends how much I care for them & their friendship more often. 

2. Smile at strangers - This may sound strange and against every "don't talk to strangers" rule you've ever heard, but a smile from a stranger generally makes my day. With all the craziness that has happened in this past few years, I can't help but begin to question my fellow man. When someone I don't know gives me a quick smile, it makes me smile and feel happy. It's nice to know that someone has enough warmth in their heart to share such a positive moment with someone they don't know. It also can really cheer someone up who is having a tough day or week. Smiling never hurt anybody and is scientifically proven to make you happier, so smile away my friends.

3. Pay more sincere compliments - I am a complimenter, even if I don't know you. It's some weird impulse I've had since I was a child. I tell the lady in front of me at the grocery store that her purse is to die for or the woman at the gym that her tennis shoes are fabulous. I don't, however, tell my husband, friends or family how much I enjoy their ability to love, share their time, give kindness so freely, pick up the phone whenever I call, and much more. I am so lucky to have wonderful people in my life who make me feel great, so I think it's time I make them feel that way more often.

4. Be a better listener - I'm pretty sure I inherited my moms ADD (love you, mom!) when it comes to listening. I used to be a very good listener, but in the past year I've caught myself forgetting what I talked about with a friend or family member that day. I then get nervous that I didn't react or moved onto something else because my mind was elsewhere. I need to work on slowing down & listening to what a person is really saying to me. I will learn from those I listen to and can grow and change because of them. I will be slower to react or respond so that I can try and take in as much as possible from the conversation. 

5. Continue to grow BOOK - I launched BOOK in October 2012 and am so proud of what we've done so far. We've had great feedback from the community and even booked a few clients! We have been lucky to work with Greg Tuite & Associated, Innovatech IT Solutions, and Rockin' 4 Rockton. However, we want to expand our client list as we LOVE planning events and helping people.  We will be attending a bridal expo in January & will soon be listed on Rockfordweddings.com, so hopefully that will help us move forward in 2013. Events are our passion and what we are really good at, so plan on seeing much more from BOOK this year!